Altemeyer's (2006). The authoritarians

Question 1

What are the three main traits of authoritarian personalities?

Answer 1

Conventionalism: Strong adherence to societal norms and traditions.
Authoritarian Submission: Tendency to submit to authority figures.
Authoritarian Aggression: Hostility toward those seen as deviant or part of outgroups.

Question 2

How do early socialization experiences influence authoritarian attitudes?

Answer 2

Authoritarian attitudes often stem from strict or punitive family environments during early socialization.

Question 3

What psychological defense mechanisms are common in authoritarians?

Answer 3

Projection: Projecting their own insecurities onto others.
Rationalization: Justifying aggressive or hostile attitudes.

Question 4

How do authoritarians perceive in-group and out-group dynamics?

Answer 4

They exhibit a strong in-group bias, valuing loyalty to their own group and displaying hostility toward outsiders.

Question 5

What psychological factors contribute to authoritarianism?

Answer 5

Fear and insecurity: A fear of change or uncertainty can intensify authoritarian attitudes, leading individuals to seek stability through strong leaders or rigid social structures.

Question 6

What is the cognitive style of authoritarians?

Answer 6

Authoritarians tend to have a simplistic cognitive style, favoring black-and-white thinking and being less open to complex or nuanced viewpoints.

Question 7

What is the significance of understanding authoritarian personality traits?

Answer 7

These traits help explain broader social and political implications of authoritarianism in society.